Three men charged in bill-‘washing’ scheme

FARGO – Three Fargo men are charged in Cass County District Court with an alleged bill-“washing” scheme that turned old $5 bills into $20s, $50s and $100s and passed them at businesses all over Fargo.

Thomas Porkpah Paye, 24, Nyantey Gaylah, 24, and Marcus Yeah, 22, are all charged with one count each of criminal conspiracy, a Class C felony.

Court documents state the businesses include the Petro Serve on 13th Avenue and 34th Street in south Fargo, and both Fargo Wal-Mart stores. Police said they suspect the phony bills may have been passed at businesses outside the metro and through the region and ask workers to examine larger-denomination bills for signs of fakery.